A missionary was surrounded by tribal enemies. Miraculously, none of them harmed him. Later the leader of the tribe became a Christian and told the missionary that they had not attacked him because of the twenty-six white warriors surrounding his house. The missionary stated there had been no white warriors, but the tribal leader insisted he had seen them.

The missionary went home for furlough and told the story in his home church. The pastor revealed that that night he had awakened sensing an urgent need to pray for the missionary. He not only prayed himself but also called other men to join him in prayer. Then he asked all those who had prayed to stand. Twenty-six men stood.

Our prayers for others are essential. I grew up hearing my grandpa sing as we rode to church. One of the songs he sang had these words:

"I need the prayers of those I loveI want my friends to pray for me,To bear my tempted soul above,And intercede with God for me."

The song is true. In fact, it appears that at times we may not win our spiritual battles if we have no one praying for us. In the Old Testament, the people of Laish lost their city because they had no one to call on in time of need. "There was no one to rescue them because they lived a long way from Sidon and had no relationship with anyone else" (Judges 18:28).

Jesus, make me aware of those who need my prayers today.

"With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith" (2 Thessalonians 1:11).